Shot timer target

ABSTRACT

A wireless electronic network of one or more shooting targets controlled by a Wi-Fi enabled user device (laptop, tablet, phone etc.) that electronically records hits to a vertically raising strike face and presents feedback to the shooter. Each individual target is mounted on a folding plastic frame and is able to lift a plastic strike face into position to begin a shooting training scenario once command is sent via Wi-Fi enabled user device. Projectiles are able to pass through the plastic strike face and the target is able to register hits and record performance data for presentation to the user at the end of a training scenario. The targets are able to be programmed to operate in a variety of user customizable scenarios, to include, but not limited to: Fall when hit, fall after a predetermined number of hits or stay up for a predetermined number of seconds etc. When multiple targets are used together they can be programmed to raise one after another, or in any order and combination of modes that the user can imagine. In this manner the scenario that a shooter might be presented with is intended to be infinitely customizable to train a shooter to be able to think and react on their feet rather than rehearse linear skills by rote. Once a scenario is concluded the strike faces will be lowered and feedback data is transmitted to the shooters Wi-Fi enabled device. The targets are able to be programmed to initiate a shooting scenario when triggered by a motion sensor module that can be mounted to the targets themselves or detached and operated remotely, to be positioned such that the targets begin their scenario once a shooter enters a room or comes around an obstacle. The maximum distance of operation between the controlling Wi-Fi enabled user device and the targets can be extended by use of relay modules to receive and transmit the Wi-Fi signals from the user device to the targets.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Continuation in Part Application claims the benefit of priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/081,979, filed Sep. 232020 and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/483,662. The purpose ofthis Continuation in Part is to correct errors and omissions from theapplication Ser. No. 17/483,662.

BACKGROUND

The invention is a development of the shot timer. A shot timer is a shotactivated timer used in shooting sports, which starts the competitor byan audible signal and also records the competitor's time electronicallyby detecting the sound of each shot together with the time from thestart signal. When the competitor is finished the timer will show thetime from the start signal until each shot.

The invention offers the following fundamental advantages over the shottimer in practical shooting training to make it a far more realistictraining tool for military/law enforcement users:

The invention uses a visual stimulus of the target strike face beingraised to signal the user that an engagement scenario has begun andstart the timer as opposed to an audio stimulus used by the shot timer.The average reaction time for humans is 0.17 for an audio stimulus and0.25 seconds to a visual stimulus. This is significant because whentraining for a real-life, combat situation a soldier or law enforcementofficer has to react to targets that present visually. Training with ashot timer will make a shooter think that they are faster that theyactually are in real life.

The invention records each shot taken by the user by measuring the timebetween the raising of each target strike face and the hits recorded atthe strike-face of that target, rather than the noise made by taking theshot, it therefore is able to measure speed and accuracy.

The invention employs multiple targets which are programmed to raisetheir strike faces in a random order, or any order selected by aninstructor/user, meaning that the shooter cannot choose or predict whichtarget strike face will raise next and is forced to react accordingly.

The invention is programmed to give an audio signal (via the user Wi-Fienabled device) after initiation to tell the shooter when to get ready,but the pause between the ready signal and the first target strike facebeginning its upwards movement is a random value between an upper andlower threshold selected by the user, meaning that the shooter cannotanticipate the rise of the first target strike face and pre-empt it.

The invention allows the user to choose engagement scenarios whichinvolve the presentation of multiple consecutive target strike faces,this forces a shooter to switch fire from one target strike face to thenext in randomized order, or any order selected by an instructor/user,making it a far more realistic training tool.

The invention allows the user to choose an engagement scenario in whichthe target strike faces will fall after a predetermined number of hitsor after a predetermined number of seconds.

If the user selects an engagement scenario in which the target strikefaces will fall after a predetermined number of hits then they canfurther specify that a target strike face can fall after a random numberof hits between an upper and lower threshold defined by the user. Thisis important for realistic training, as during combat, enemies mayrequire varying numbers of hits before they are no longer a threat.

If the user chooses an engagement scenario which involves thepresentation of multiple consecutive targets strike faces, then they canalso choose to have a random pause of between a maximum and minimumthreshold determined by the user between each presentations, meaningthat the shooter cannot anticipate the rise of the next target strikeface and pre-empt it.

If the user chooses an engagement scenario which involves thepresentation of multiple consecutive targets strike faces, then they canchoose to have no pause between presentations. Meaning that the nexttarget strike face will raise as soon as the last one has fallen.

The randomized elements of the invention are designed to far moreaccurately simulate combat shooting, where these elements will bepresent. In this manner the scenario that a shooter might be presentedwith is intended to be infinitely customizable to train a shooter to beable to think and react on their feet rather than rehearse linear skillsby rote.

Although other reactive training target designs do exist, they generallyuse a piece of steel as the target strike face that is designed toremain intact after the impact of a projectile. Due to the weight ofsteel needed to prevent from being deformed or penetrated by aprojectile, this requires a very strong lifting mechanism and anassociated complexity/cost. The present invention uses a piece ofplastic as a strike face that is designed to be penetrated by aprojectile while registering the impact using a hit sensor, making itmuch cheaper, simpler to manufacture, lighter weight and more portable.

Although other lifting reactive targets do exist that use a plasticstrike surface or other material designed to be penetrated by aprojectile, they generally use some form of raising mechanism thatpivots about an axis to bring the target strike surface from parallel tothe ground to vertical. The rotational forces needed to do this quicklyrequire a powerful lifting mechanism and associated power source. Theinvention uses a vertically sliding raising mechanism which greatlyreduces the complexity and cost of each target making it much cheaper,simpler to manufacture, lighter weight and more portable.

The lifting mechanism of the invention is derived from the windowlifting mechanism of a car door window. Since the automotive industryhas already evolved the cheapest, simplest, most lightweight solution tothis problem, this was the mechanism chosen for the invention, with theaddition of a faster turning motor derived from a cheap, battery poweredelectric drill to facilitate quicker raising of the plastic strikesurface.

The two most prevalent lifting mechanism designs used in the autoindustry for car windows are the “cable and pulley” model and the geardriven “scissors” model. Claims are submitted here for both designs asthe lifting mechanism for the strike face of an electronic shootingtarget system.

The invention utilizes a self-contained Wi-Fi network, from which theuser can open a web page, hosted by the master microcontroller forcontrol and feedback of the target units obviating the need for the userto download an app to their device in order to use it.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A master control unit that creates an independent Wi-Fi network fromwhich a user can open a webpage using a Wi-Fi enabled device (i.e.smartphone, laptop, tablet etc.). Multiple individual targets unitsautomatically connect to the wireless network and can then be controlledby the user via the master control unit. The webpage offers the user arange of engagement scenario options. Once a scenario has been chosenand the user has initiated it there is a pause to allow the user toready themselves and an audio signal that the scenario is about tobegin. Thereafter there is a random pause before the first targetstrike-face begins moving and the timer begins. Once the engagementscenario is over then there is another audio “cease fire” signal and theresults of each hit recorded and the relevant times are sent back to theuser's Wi-Fi enabled device.

The invention embodies a wireless motion sensor that can be attached toone of the target units or detached to be placed inside a room or behindan obstacle so that an engagement scenario can be initiated by themovement of a shooter into a room or around an obstacle if the “motionsensor initiation” option is selected from the menu on the user Wi-Fienabled device.

The invention embodies a relay module to extend the distance from whicha user/shooter can control a cluster of targets by receiving andrebroadcasting the signal from the user Wi-Fi enabled control device.

The invention allows the user/shooter to save their performance datafrom a target engagement scenario on their device and upload them to anonline score board along with any captured video/audio associated withthe score.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows Target unit of the cable and pulley type.

FIG. 2 shows the components of a scissors type lifting mechanism.

FIG. 3 shows Target unit of the scissors type.

FIG. 4 shows the components of a scissors type lifting mechanism in theraised position.

FIG. 5 shows the components of a scissors type lifting mechanism in thelowered position.

FIG. 6 illustrates Wi-Fi Network diagram and components of each targetunit.

FIG. 7 presents Results table.

FIG. 8 shows an example Circuit diagram.

FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of a training scenario in a simulatedroom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

The description that follows includes the physical components that makeup each target unit, the elements that make up the target system, themenu elements that allow the user to operate the system/receive feedbackand the method of operation.

Please refer to FIG. 1 for the following description of the form andfunction of the targets.

One or more vertically raising target units that are able to connect toan independent, self-contained Wi-Fi network created by a master controlunit. The user is able to connect with the master control unit using aWi-Fi enabled device (including, but not limited to Smartphone, tablet,laptop) to open a webpage hosted by the master control unit which allowscontrol of and feedback from the target units.

In the example embodiment the master control unit consists of a powersource, microcontroller and Wi-Fi microchip. The master control unit mayalso incorporate a motion sensor. If the option for motion activatedinitiation is selected by a user/shooter via the webpage that allowscontrol of the target units then this can initiate movement of a targetor sequence of target presentations once it detects the motion of ashooter.

In the example embodiment the master control unit may be integrated witha target unit and able to share the same power source or it may bedetachable, with its own power source.

In the example embodiment the control unit 30 of each target comprisinga low-cost Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software,and microcontroller capability “ESP 8266”. In the current prototype theESP 8266 model number module is used due to its low cost andavailability, however as models change and gain greater capability amodule with similar properties and functions may be substituted. In theillustration the control unit is contained inside a plastic case toprotect the unit, associated relay switches, analogue output, step downpower converter and resistors from moisture, dirt, damage etc.

In the example embodiment the master control unit comprising the samelow-cost Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software, andmicrocontroller capability “ESP 8266”. However the master control unitbeing configured and programmed to perform as a master control unitwhile the individual target control units being configured andprogrammed to perform as individual target control units.

In the example embodiment each target unit comprising a plastic “A”frame stand 29 capable of folding for ease of storage and transport.This design derived from the cheap, lightweight plastic saw horsesavailable in hardware stores. Once erected, the stand will support avertical lifting mechanism capable of vertically raising and loweringthe strike-face 38 of the target using a cable and pulley systemillustrated in FIG. 1 or the scissors mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 2,3, 4 and 5 . Each target unit in the example embodiment is powered by abattery that can be disconnected and removed for re-charging.

In the example embodiment each target unit has a target control unit 30attached to the plastic “A” frame.

In the example embodiment a piezo-electric sensor 31 is clipped to thestrike-face by means of a bulldog clip, clothes peg or similar andlinked to the microcontroller via a cable 32 to register hits. There aresensors 33 on the rail 34 connected to the target control unit viacables 35 which the strike-face moves up and down on to detect itsposition and signal the motor to stop movement once the strike-facereaches the upper and lower positions. This measure is intended tosmoothly arrest movement of the lifting mechanism by cutting powerbefore a “hard stop” is caused by the mechanism reaching its mechanicallimits and potentially causing the hit sensor to mistakenly register theimpact of a projectile.

In the example embodiment the pulley drive wheel 36 has the cable 37wrapped around it several times to increase the traction it can exert onthe cable and prevent slippage. The motor is behind the pulley drivewheel and is not pictured. The motor is able to turn in both directionsto raise or lower the strike face 38

In the example embodiment the cable 32 runs from the pulley drive wheel36 to the upper pulley wheel 39. From the upper pulley wheel the cablethen runs down the rail 34 to the lower pulley wheel 40. In between theupper pulley wheel 39 and the lower pulley wheel 40 the cable 32 isattached to the trolley 41.

In the example embodiment the trolley 41 is attached to the rail 34 andcan run up and down it by being pulled by the cable 32. The strike face38 is affixed to the trolley 41. The method of attachment allows a userto easily change the strike face for a new one once it becomes tooperforated by projectiles to continue registering hits.

In the example embodiment the strike face 38 can consist of thin (approx3 mm thick) sheets of high density polyethylene. This material has theadvantage of being “self-sealing” in that when a projectile passesthrough it leaves a hole that is smaller than the diameter of theprojectile. In this manner it can be perforated by several thousands ofprojectiles and still maintain rigidity and continue to be able toregister projectile impacts. However, other materials such as plywoodcan be used.

In the example embodiment, in between the pulley drive wheel 36 and theupper pulley wheel 39 there is cable cladding 28 similar to the claddingon a bicycle brake cable to give rigidity, tension and protection to thecable. There is cladding 28 on the cable in between the pulley drivewheel 36 and the lower pulley wheel 40 to give rigidity, tension andprotection to the cable also.

In the example embodiment there are power and motor command cables27—these bring power from the battery/motor unit behind the pulley drivewheel 36 to the control unit 30 and commands from the microcontrollerand associated relay switches to the motor.

In the example embodiment the control unit of each target contains relayswitches so that the low voltage outputs of the Wi-Fi microcontrollercan be used to control the higher voltage circuit of the liftingmechanism motor. The control unit also contains a step-down powerconverter so that the battery that powers the lifting mechanism motorcan also power the microcontroller and any other components that requirea lower voltage.

FIG. 2 depicts the components of the gear driven “scissors” lifting andlowering mechanism. In the example embodiment the components are theprimary gear driven by the electric motor 79. Driving the lifting gear80. The lifting gear pivots around an axle 86 affixed to the plastic “A”frame 29 referenced in FIG. 1 . The lifting gear rotates a lifting arm84. The lifting arm is attached to the upper sliding bar 83 via asliding axle.

In the example embodiment the lifting arm 84 is able to slide back andforth within the upper sliding bar 83 as it elevates the bar or lowersit. A stabilization arm 85 is also attached to the upper sliding bar 83via a sliding axle. The stabilization arm 85 is also attached at itslower end to the lower sliding bar 82 via a sliding axle.

In the example embodiment the lower sliding bar 82 is attached to thefolding plastic “A” frame 29. The attachment is fixed and it does notpivot or slide.

In the example embodiment the stabilization arm 85 can slide within theupper sliding bar and the lower sliding bar to keep the upper slidingbar level as it is raised and lowered by the lifting arm.

In the example embodiment the lifting arm 84 and the stabilization arm85 are attached via an axle 87.

FIG. 3 shows how the “scissors” type lifting mechanism is attached tothe plastic “A” frame to integrate with the other components. Some ofthe same numbered labels from the description for FIG. 1 are used forease of reference. In the “scissors” mechanism version of the target,the strike face 38 is attached to the upper sliding bar 83, just as itis to the trolley 41 of the cable and pulley mechanism.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show how the components of the “scissors” mechanism areconfigured when in the raised and lowered positions.

FIG. 6 shows how the master control unit creates a Wi-Fi network whichallows a Wi-Fi enabled user device to open a webpage served by themaster microcontroller.

In the example embodiment once turned on the individual target unitswill search for and join the Wi-Fi network created by the mastercontroller. The webpage opened by the user shows how many targets areconnected and allows the user to name and calibrate them.

In the example embodiment calibrating the targets involves setting thesensitivity threshold above or below which the hit sensor will registera hit. It may also involve setting a “shadow” period after thecommencement of the lifting mechanism beginning movement in which thehit sensor will not register a hit. This measure is necessary to ensurethat any uneven or jerky vibration to the hit sensor, caused by theinitial movement of the lifting mechanism is not mistakenly interpretedby the target control unit as a hit by a projectile to the strike face.Calibrating a target may also involve setting the minimum and maximumtimes that the lifting mechanism will operate to raise and lower thestrike face. This measure serves as a backup to the sensors intended tosmoothly arrest movement of the lifting mechanism by cutting powerbefore a “hard stop” is caused by the mechanism reaching its mechanicallimits and causing the hit sensor to mistakenly register the impact of aprojectile. Calibrating the targets may further include setting a“shadow” behind each registered impact, during this “shadow” period fromthe impact, additional impacts cannot be registered. This is to preventvibrations of the target as it reverberates from the projectile impactsin the milliseconds following the impact, being falsely registered as animpact. The “shadow” period following an impact can be set by the userin fractions of a second. These features are intended to allow users to“tune” each target via the Wi-Fi accessible user interface to eliminatethe possibility of false impacts being registered during use. Bycalibration methods such as these it is intended that very low-cost,mass-produced components can be used, as opposed to the expensive,sophisticated components in many existing impact sensing target designs.

Once the user has opened the webpage they can then choose from a numberof options; (a) falling exposure; this means that the targets strikeface will fall when hit, in this mode the user can select the number ofhits to make each target strike face fall back down, or a random numberbetween a minimum and maximum threshold selected by the user (b) fixedexposure; this means that each target strike face will remain up for afixed length of time, during which the user can try to hit the strikeface as many times as they can, in this mode the user can select thelength of time that each target strike face will remain up (c) number ofexposures; this setting determines how many times a target strike facewill be caused to be raised (d) duration between exposures; this settingallows a user to choose the length of time between the last targetstrike face going down and the next target strike face being raised,this setting includes an option for the duration between exposures to bea random amount of time between a minimum and maximum threshold selectedby the user (the purpose of the random duration between exposures is toprevent the user from anticipating when a target strike face will beginmovement).

If one or more targets are connected to the wireless network then theorder that the master microcontroller raises them can be random. (thepurpose of the random option in which the targets are raised is toprevent the user from anticipating which target will be raised next)

Once the user initiates a target engagement scenario then after a pauseand an audible signal that an engagement scenario has been initiatedthen there will be a random pause of between a minimum and maximumthreshold selected by the user before the first target strike face willbegin upwards movement (the purpose of the random pause is to preventthe user from anticipating when the target will begin movement insteadof reacting to its movement). Depending upon the options chosen by theuser the targets will then run through their engagement scenario, withthe user trying to hit the strike-faces of them while they are raisedand lowered. Once the scenario is concluded there will be an audible“cease fire” signal given to let the user know that the engagementscenario is over.

The user menu also includes an option for movement activated initiationof a target presentation scenario. In this mode, whether falling orfixed exposures are selected, the initiation will be contingent on asignal from the master control unit when it receives input from a motionsensor. The motion sensor can be either a part of the master controlunit and sharing its power supply, or detached in a separate remotemodule with its own power supply and Wi-Fi microcontroller, orintegrated with the master control unit when it is attached to a targetunit and sharing its power source.

If motion activated mode is selected then a user/shooter can place themotion sensor unit in a room or behind an obstacle to trigger theinitiation of an engagement scenario/sequence with the upwards movementof targets occurring once a shooter enters the room or clears theobstacle to come within line of sight and range of the motion sensor.

In the example embodiment the feedback is presented to the user in theform of a table which is automatically sent to the user's Wi-Fi deviceonce the scenario is over. In the example shown in FIG. 7 there werethree targets connected and the user has selected an engagement scenarioin which there were three exposures with a zero second pause betweenthem and each target would fall after it had been hit five times. In thetable can be seen the five shot times from the target strike-facebeginning its upwards movement and each hit recorded on that strikeface, for each exposure along with the split times between consecutiveshots in the same exposure. At the end of the table are given theaverage time from the target strike-face beginning its upwards movementand the first shot recorded and the average split time, also given isthe time from the start of the scenario to its end when the lastprojectile hit the strike face.

Once an engagement scenario is concluded—either because the last targetto present fell, or after the user selected elapsed time, or after thelast target to present user selected number of hits was reached, thenthe all targets will be lowered and the user interface device will givea “cease fire” audio cue before presenting the results for thatscenario.

If during a scenario the user/shooter wishes to abort the scenario thenthey can select an option in the user menu that will end the scenarioand all targets will be lowered and the user interface device will givea “cease fire” audio cue. Before the results for that scenario arepresented.

The Wi-Fi user interface also has the option to configure specifictarget units as non-threat actors (default is threat-actor designation).In this mode the shooter is not supposed to engage them as they aredesigned to simulate a “hostage” or “civilian”. Before setting up ascenario the user is meant to add a marking to the strike face of thetarget units designated as non-threat actors so that a shooter will beable to tell them apart from the threat actor target units strike face.This might consist of a piece of colored tape or a spray paint marking.If, in a target presentation scenario they are confronted with anon-threat actor target unit, they will be meant to ignore it andinstead only engage the target units set and marked as threat-actors. Ifa target unit set to non-threat actor mode is struck by a projectilethen the hit will be recorded and transmitted to the user enabled Wi-Ficontrol/feedback device at the end of the scenario to “fail” theshooter.

FIG. 9 is an overhead illustration of an example training scenario thatthe target system might be used for. In the scenario the instructor 48,has placed two target units designated as threat-actors 46 along with athird target designated as a non-threat actor in a room 42 with one doorthat opens inwards 44. The instructor has placed the master controlmodule with associated motion sensor 47 such that the motion sensor willbe triggered to initiate a sequence of targets raising as soon asstudent shooters 45 enter the room. In this scenario the speed, agility,accuracy and cooperation of the student shooters will be tested innegotiating the door as fast as possible to be able to enter the roomand assess possible threats before engaging them in cooperation. Theinstructor could have set all three targets to raise together when thestudent shooters enter the room. In this way the student shooters willhave to assess all three targets to decide which ones are classified asthreats and engage those. The instructor will have used his Wi-Fi deviceconnected to the master control module before the scenario begins toselect two of the targets 46 as threat actors which will register hitswhen fired upon and one as a non-threat actor 50 to fail the studentshooters if it is hit. In this configuration the target system will beable to give feedback to the instructor of the precise time between thestudent shooters entry to the room and the impact of rounds on targets.This duration and the judgment necessary to discern threat-actors fromnon-threat actors while under pressure is one of the most importantfactors in close quarter battle for military/law enforcement training.The scenario could further be configured using any of the menu settingsdescribed previously to have the threat actor targets raise one afterthe other, both together, fall after a pre-selected number of hits or arandom number of hits or any combination thereof. Or, all the targetscould be set to non-threat actor mode. The purpose being to trainshooters to think on their feet.

FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit diagram. This is the configuration, wiringand specific components that were evolved in the development of theprototype. This is the basic layout of an individual target unit. Not amaster control unit, motion sensor module or relay module. Thisillustration is meant as an example embodiment of one possibleconfiguration of components. As components evolve and advance there maybe more or less elements included to accomplish the same basic tasksthat have been described herein.

Although an overview of the inventive subject matter has been describedwith reference to specific example embodiments, various modificationsand changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Suchembodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein asthe “invention”, “targets” or “target system” merely for convenience andwithout intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application toany single disclosure or inventive concept if more than one is, in factdisclosed.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed.Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The detailed description,therefore is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A target system comprising one or more target units each controlledby a Wi-Fi enabled microcontroller (hereafter referred to as a “controlunit”) and comprising a lightweight, portable, folding plastic standthat supports a vertically sliding lifting mechanism attached to aplastic strike face, capable of being controlled by a user via a Wi-Fienabled master microcontroller (hereafter referred to as a “mastercontrol unit”) created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu toraise and lower said strike faces in a variety of shooting trainingscenarios, said strike faces capable of registering impacts ofprojectiles that pass through them and relay impact timing data back tothe user via said master microcontroller created Wi-Fi network andassociated webpage menu.
 2. The vertically sliding lifting mechanism ofclaim 1 comprising either a cable and pulley type system or a “scissors”gear-driven type system. Both designs derived from those in common useby the auto industry and adapted to be a cheap, simple, compact solutionto the problem of vertically raising a lightweight plastic target strikeface for use in shooting training. Both systems using an electric motorand battery.
 3. The master control unit of claim 1 capable of initiatinga target presentation scenario when triggered by an associated motionsensor activated by a shooter/user and the master control unit recordingthe time between motion sensor activation and all subsequent strike facehits from projectiles if such an option is chosen by a user via a saidmaster controller created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu. 4.The target system of claim 1 also able to have its operational range ofcontrol from the user able to be extended via means of Wi-Fi relaymodules with their own on-board power source. Said Wi-Fi relay modulesable to re-broadcast the Wi-Fi signal from one to another and anotherand so on to achieve whatever desired range a user requires whentraining over longer distances that can be accommodated solely by theWi-Fi range of the master control unit.
 5. The individual target unitstrike face of claim 1 to have functionally attached a hit sensor ableto register the impact of projectiles passing through the strike face(or merely hitting the strike face where projectiles are lowvelocity/mass such as when a “BB” gun is used for training and suchprojectiles are unable to penetrate the strike face) Said hit sensor tobe attached to the strike face via a spring clip such as a bulldog clipor clothes peg and such sensor able to transmit impact data to theindividual target control unit via electronic means such means as acable or Wi-fi. Said impact data then relayed to the shooter/user viasaid master controller created Wi-Fi network and associated webpagemenu.
 6. The lifting mechanism of claim 1 to have sensors mounted detectthe position of the lifting mechanism and notify the control unit of itsposition so that the control unit can cease movement of the liftingmechanism before it reaches the limit of movement. This measure isnecessary to prevent the lifting mechanism making a “hard stop” when itreaches its limit of travel, that the hit sensor from claim 5 mightincorrectly interpret as the strike from a projectile.
 7. The mastercontrol unit of claim 1 being capable of creating a Wi-Fi network thatany user/shooter can connect to via any portable Wi-Fi enabled devicei.e. phone, tablet, laptop etc. so that they can control the subordinatetarget units and any associated elements of the system (i.e. relaymodules and/or motion sensor modules).
 8. Each individual target unit ofclaim 1 capable of being calibrated by the user via the master controlunit created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu to only registerhits above or below a sensitivity threshold defined by the user. Eachindividual target unit further capable of being calibrated by the userto adjust the maximum and minimum times that the motor will turn whenraising and lowering a strike face, before the hit sensor on that strikeface can register a hit. This measure having two intentions; a) to be anadditional measure to prevent the hit sensor falsely registering aprojectile impact due to a “hard stop” when it reaches it's limit oftravel and b) a backup to the position sensors of claim 6 to arrestmovement of the lifting lowering mechanism in case the position sensorsfail somehow.
 9. The user interface webpage menu of claim 1 able to leta user see which targets and associated elements of the target system(i.e. relay modules and/or motion sensor modules) are connected to thesystem and choose how they will interact with each other.
 10. Thecontrol unit and lifting mechanism from claim 1 able to be powered by asingle battery. With a step down converter used to convert the highervoltage of the battery used for the lifting mechanism to the lowervoltage needed by the control unit and master control unit if one isintegrated.
 11. The control unit of claim 1 to be connected to a seriesof relay switches that allow the low voltage output signals of thecontrol unit to activate the higher voltage of the lifting mechanismmotor of claim
 2. 12. The hit sensor of claim 1 to consist of apiezoelectric ceramic sensor module, that is capable of generating ameasurable analogue output voltage change which is proportional with thestrength of vibration detected at the strike face by the impact of aprojectile.
 13. The shooter/user menu on the webpage hosted by themaster control unit and the shooter/user connects to this webpage to viathe Wi-Fi network created by the master control unit.
 14. The Wi-Fienabled microcontrollers of each target unit of claim 1 and anyassociated Wi-Fi relay modules being used to extend range of control andWi-Fi motion sensor modules that may be being used for activation of atraining scenario, being able to connect to the Wi-Fi enabledmicrocontroller of the master control unit. All elements being visibleto the user/shooter via the webpage menu hosted by the master controlunit and the user being able to calibrate all connected elements forsensitivity, speed, timings of movement etc. The shooter/user also ableto choose variables for a training scenario in which targets will bepresented by being raised and lowered via the lifting mechanism of claim2 with the intention that they be struck by projectiles from theuser/shooter to generate performance data that will then be presented tothe user/shooter via the webpage menu hosted by the master control unit.Said variables to include but not limited to; the option for randomelements such as the duration before targets will present by beinglifted by the lifting mechanism, the duration between said presentationof the same or different separate target units, the number of projectileimpacts before a target will be lowered by said lifting mechanism,motion activated presentation, multiple targets being raisedsimultaneously, some target units being designated “non threat actor”that are not meant to be shot at during a scenario. The menu optionsfurther allowing a user/shooter to have an audio “ready” signal playedby the user Wi-Fi enabled device to indicate when a scenario is about tobegin and a “cease fire” audio signal when a scenario is ended.
 15. Theperformance data recorded by the master control unit and relayed to theshooter/user via their Wi-Fi enabled device to include but not limitedto the times between each target strike face being raised and the timesof all subsequent impacts on that target strike face. When motionactivated mode being selected this will include the time from saidmotion being detected by the system to the impacts of projectiles ontarget strike faces that were raised as a result of that movement beingdetected. All results data being presented to the user/shooter at theend of a training scenario via a results table accessible on the userWi-Fi enabled device via the webpage hosted by the master control unitof claim
 1. Said performance data then able to be saved on the userWi-Fi enabled device and/or uploaded to an online scoreboard on theworld wide web along with any recorded video of the user/shooterstraining session.